Pearl Kern said she left her three dogs, Disco, Scooter and a 1½-year-old Chihuahua named Sherman, in the care of the Doggie Haven kennel near Olympia.

Several weeks later, Kern said she got a call from the kennel operator, who said Sherman was dead.

“They let my dog starve to death and freeze to death,” said Kern.

Thurston County Animal Services investigated, and animal cruelty charges were filed against the kennel owner and her sister Friday, alleging the kennel did not give Sherman the care he needed.

Sherman’s cause of death was alleged starvation and dehydration.

The kennel is not licensed, and though its owners have been told they are in violation of county code, the kennel is still operating.

“I don’t want any other dog – no other animal – should be put through what Sherman had to go through,” said Kern.

The kennel operators said they did not want to comment about the case.

Both people charged in the case pleaded not guilty.